Consumers unaware of smart home benefits warns Samsung but the potential is huge

posted on Friday, 16th June 2023 by Steve May

Smart home  Eco  Home automation 

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Over three quarters of UK consumers remain oblivious to the potential of smart home technology, according to a new trends report commissioned by Samsung SmartThings.

The investigation, entitled Untapped: The Home Tech Evolution, takes a close look at the current smart home landscape and speculates how future trends, such as emotion detection, energy reconfiguration, and augmented reality could elevate the use of smart homes in the residential market.

To launch the report, Samsung invited Inside CI to experience its new fully integrated smart home demo apartment, located in its Chertsey European HQ. Using SmartThings interoperability, the facility has kitchen appliances, including oven and washers, linked to a Samsung smart TV and a Terrace outdoors TV, which act as the hub. At the touch of a button, users can check on the state of their roast (via an onboard camera), select the appropriate wash cycle and monitor security cameras.

SmartThings also allows for full lighting, shade and HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning).

The trends report polled 2,000 adults for additional real-time attitudinal insights about ways these trends are already in play today, shaping the way people live their lives. Wellbeing apps are expected to reach a projected market volume of £722m by 2027

Smart technology will grow on the back of wellbeing applications. 31 per cent of people currently use tech to manage their stress levels. Expect to see smart mirrors that detect mood and suggest workouts accordingly, and smart speakers that monitor how users feel in and then suggest playlists accordingly

It suggests the future will be fully hands-free, with gesture control, facial recognition, and other biometric technologies that will enable touchless doorbells, ovens and washing machines.

All-electric eco homes of the future will use electric heating sources powered by renewable energy, and electric vehicles will provide a personal supply capable of powering homes. Samsung is already in the Heat Pump business and says there are market opportunities for household brands in the boom. The UK heat pump market grew 26 per cent from 2021 to 2022.

Interestingly, consumers now rate smart homes with energy-efficient, sustainable features as more important than the size of the property.

'Consumers now rate smart homes with energy-efficient, sustainable features as more important than the size of the property...'

 Practical benefits of smart home tech, that consumers are unaware of include smart buttons around the home to allow them to easily turn on or off any connected appliances (71 per cent unaware); alerts when fridge ingredients are run low (66 per cent); integrated management of energy devices (65 per cent); the ability to program the oven from anywhere (61 per cent) and even syncing a doorbell camera to the TV to communicate with visitors (53 per cent).

That said, smart usage is up, with over a third (38 per cent) using it to monitor health and track sleep patterns (31 per cent).

Smart Samsung Kitchen

Nearly two thirds (62 per cent) of the UK have been honing their cooking skills with the help of technology, and more than a quarter (28 per cent) said notifying family members when they need help is common.

TrendWatching predicts that the energy crisis could fast-track the green energy transition by five to ten years.

After reading more information about heat pumps, 30 per cent of consumers said they were likely to consider installing a heat pump in the next 12 months. And four in ten would be interested in purchasing energy-efficient solutions, such as solar panels and battery storage.

More than half believe homes will be majority powered by solar energy in 50 years.

Samsung’s SmartThings Energy (powered by Chameleon Technology) allows users to connect to their smart meter to monitor their energy usage and connect compatible devices, to get a more detailed view of how much specific appliances cost to run in the home.

Samsung’s survey revealed that people use tech to exercise (42 per cent), monitor their overall health (38 per cent), track their sleep patterns (31 per cent) and manage their stress levels (24 per cent).

With wellbeing apps expected to reach a projected market volume of £722m by 2027, it’s only a matter of time before consumers expect their smart homes to support them in this quest too.

Research shows there is an increasing appetite to upgrade tech to ensure it integrates into the home aesthetic. 26 per cent saying they want tech to blend in with their decor seamlessly, with discreet interfaces and materials that take inspiration from interior design.

Samsung cites the success of its Frame TV range, as evidence of the development. With a super thin gapless design, matte display and picture frame border, The Frame not only delivers 4k TV, but enhances a room’s décor with photos and artwork.

Steve May

Inside CI Editor Steve May is a freelance technology specialist who also writes for T3TechRadarHome Cinema Choice, Trusted Reviews and The Luxe Review.

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